| Just as you go to the dentist for that six-month | | | | The fee for this essential financial report is nominal and |
| checkup, so must you check your credit score, for | | | | well worth the few dollars it costs. You can obtain a |
| good financial health. Using that analogy, think about | | | | copy online almost instantaneously, but you do want to |
| this: wouldn't you rather find a small cavity brewing at | | | | be careful and assure that your connection is secure. |
| six months, rather than requiring a root canal through | | | | You can easily ascertain this?just look for the little 'lock' |
| sheer neglect? Everyone is entitled to receive a free | | | | icon at the bottom right-hand side of the browser |
| credit report once a year, but these days, it's smart to | | | | page. If you prefer to check your credit score offline, |
| check your credit report as frequently as you see | | | | just go to your local credit reporting agency and get a |
| your dentist. With all the identity theft that's been going | | | | hard copy on the spot. |
| on, it doesn't take long to have your credit rating ruined! | | | | Your credit score appears at the top of the first page |
| In the old days, very few people checked their credit | | | | of the credit report, followed by an itemized listing of all |
| report at all. When they applied for credit, they | | | | of your current debts, including any delinquencies, as |
| expected to be approved, assuming they paid their bills | | | | well as those debts which have been paid. When you |
| on time and had sufficient income to cover the debt. | | | | check your credit score, here's what you need to |
| That's all changed. Read on and see how and why | | | | know: a credit score of 580 or less is not good, while a |
| you should check your credit score on a regular basis. | | | | credit score of 700 is excellent. |
| Since you're entitled to a free report each year, there's | | | | First, look over each item to be sure first, that the debt |
| no reason not to do it. It doesn't cost a cent and you | | | | is legitimate, and then, that the amount owing for each |
| gain peace of mind, knowing that your credit report is | | | | debt is correct. You'd be surprised at the number of |
| accurate. It's far easier to correct misinformation and | | | | inaccuracies that appear on people's credit reports. If |
| address trouble spots early on. If you neglect to check | | | | you do find discrepancies, follow up with the creditor |
| your credit report, you could end up with a mess that | | | | immediately to iron it out. If you've been listed as |
| will take months to straighten out, during which time | | | | delinquent and in fact, were not, send your proof to the |
| you'll have difficulty taking out a loan of any kind. While | | | | creditor and ask them to correct their records and |
| you may well feel that your credit history is no one | | | | remove the inaccuracy from your credit report. Just a |
| else's business, be aware that prospective employers | | | | few inaccuracies, once corrected, can significantly |
| sometimes run a credit report on individuals applying | | | | impact your credit score. Creditors are required, by |
| for work. If you rent your home, landlords and property | | | | law, to correct your credit report data within 30 days. If |
| management agents do, most often, obtain a credit | | | | a debt is listed which isn't yours, the creditor must |
| report before renting out property. So it's easy to see | | | | either provide proof the debt is yours or remove the |
| how failing to check your credit score could wreak | | | | item entirely, again, within 30 days. |
| havoc with your life! | | | | You can now see how and why?you must check |
| Checking your credit report and score every six | | | | your credit score at least twice a year, for your good |
| months should be sufficient to keep yours accurate. | | | | financial health! |